FORT FRANCES—Fifteen people from seven different countries officially became Canadian citizens during a ceremony at the Fort Frances Courthouse on Wednesday afternoon.
These new citizens originally hailed from El Salvador, England, Germany, Kenya, Philippines, Scotland, and United States, but now reside in communities west of Thunder Bay.
Citizenship Judge Arthur Miki of Winnipeg presided, and was joined by Citizenship and Immigration officer Marg Ogden, Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis, Wanda Botsford, constituency officer for local MP Ken Boshcoff, and an RCMP constable.
“The diversity that exists in this room represents what Canada is all about,” said Judge Miki. “And your presence here enriches all of us.”
The new citizens took their Oath of Citizenship in both English and French, and then each were issued their citizenship certificate.
“O Canada” was sung to conclude the ceremony.
“Share all the strengths and talents that you bring with you. And share your stories,” Botsford urged. “We recognize that you overcame many obstacles to get to this point.”
Judge Miki noted with last week (Oct. 15-21) being Canadian Citizenship Week, this was a good opportunity for all Canadians to look at the value of their citizenship.
“It’s something we too often take for granted,” he stressed. “I’m happy you have chosen to be a citizen of this wonderful country.”
(Fort Frances Daily Bulletin)
Fort Frances Times
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